Celebrate the Festival of Colors - Holi
Holi is a festival of colors celebrated in India and other parts of the world with great enthusiasm and fervor. It marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Holi is a time to forget past grievances and come together to celebrate life with vibrant colors, sweets, and music.
History of Holi
The origins of Holi can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology. According to legend, a powerful demon named Hiranyakashipu had obtained a boon from the gods that made him invincible. However, his son Prahlad remained devoted to Lord Vishnu, which infuriated Hiranyakashipu. The demon's sister, Holika, was immune to fire and together they hatched a plan to kill Prahlad. Holika was to carry Prahlad into a bonfire, but instead, the flames consumed Holika, while Prahlad emerged unscathed. This event is celebrated as Holika Dahan, which takes place on the night before Holi.
On the day of Holi, people throw colored powder and water on each other, sing and dance, and share sweets and delicacies. It is a time to forget differences and come together as one community. Holi is also known as the "festival of love" as it brings people closer to each other.
Celebrating Holi
Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in late February or early March. The festival is celebrated for two days - the first day is known as Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan, while the second day is called Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi.
On the day of Holika Dahan, people light bonfires and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu to seek his blessings. They also sing and dance around the fire, throw colored powder, and enjoy sweets and delicacies.
The second day of Holi is the main event when people play with colors and water. They apply colored powder on each other's faces, throw water balloons and spray colored water. The streets come alive with people dancing to the beat of drums and singing traditional songs. Sweets such as gujiya, mathri, and thandai are distributed among friends and family
